Los Angeles Times: "Challenger Rudy Martinez says FBI asked about Los Angeles Councilman Jose Huizar"

From the City Maven: "I would say “I would say we were acquaintances. I meet a lot of people as a council member and I would say we were acquaintances,” Huizar said.

Memo to Councilman Huizar, it seems that your past business dealings with Rudy Martinez were beyond the level of acquaintances.

“Today is sad day for the City of Los Angeles and the residents of CD 14. I believe the residents deserve better and more ethical representation. My campaign will continue, and I will continue to work hard to bring public accountability, transparency, and fiscal responsibility to the Office of the City Council. We will continue to engage the voters of Council District 14 on the issues that are important to them until they decide the outcome of this election on March 8th." - Statement from the Rudy Martinez for City Council Campaign.


** Huizar's El Sereno property has some "illegal past issues".

** What is it with Councilman Huizar's past issues pertaining to his efforts to bill the taxpayers for personal expenses like attending his Princeton Reunion?

** From 7/08-9/08, we found this report from Councilman Huizar's "Officeholder Account" which highlights Huizar's and staff proclivities for fine dining, including a $201.16 bill for a "Quinta Real" in Zacatecas Mexico.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Late Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

Can we lead UTLA's AJ Duffy away one last time?

Great afternoon to all including LAUSD School Board Candidates Jesus Escandon and John Fernandez who faced the wrath of UTLA Henchman AJ "Puff" Duffy, and now are the latest poster child's highlighting the dysfunction state of affairs, within LAUSD biggest union of public indoctrinators/educators.

From the outside, looking in, one gathers the the pressure to maintain some semblance of influence within LAUSD, is causing the likes of Duffy, to purge UTLA supported candidates, who's background may bring defeat in the upcoming March 2011 Elections.

LAUSD District 7 Candidate Jesus Escandon was striped of his UTLA endorsement after the discovery of a 1997 DUI Conviction and arrest for street fighting. We should note that Escandon was a candidate in 2007 for the same seat and nothing was revealed at that time.

LAUSD District 5 Candidate John Fernandez is vowing to fight Duffy's efforts to purge him. Fernandez has been straight forward in discussing his past issues but has never been convicted of a crime. Duffy stated that serious issues pertaining to Fernandez veracity and integrity were the cause for withdrawing the endorsement. But then if Duffy had any integrity, he would admit that his leftist band of indoctrinators and himself, deserve the big share of the blame for LAUSD's current state of being.

More News after the Bloggin Leap:
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Do Councilman Huizar's MTA Contributions and Votes merit Legal Review?

Did Councilman Huizar "conga" his way around MTA contribution rules?

When Councilman Jose Huizar was appointed to the Metropolitan Transportation Board (MTA) in 2009 by Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa, few political observors were expecting anything transformative in the way of policy from the CD 14 Councilperson. To the contrary, most saw this appointment as a "monetary gift" from the Mayor to his "political mijo".

Now as we enter the last month of a contentious re election battle in CD 14, Councilman Huizar's MTA contributions and their associated votes are causing some to speculate whether Huizar's MTA actions merit legal review. this would not be the first time that Councilman Huizar's past actions have been investigated (something here about the IRS?) and sanctioned. Thus, one would not be surprise to find out in the days ahead that Councilman Huizar would need to retain legal council.

More after the bloggin leap.

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Paul Krekorian Meets With Community Leaders

There are a few other races than CD14 in the upcoming primaries you may want to consider...

We haven't talked much about the Tenth Council District where Herb Wesson currently serves.  Althea Shaw, the aunt of Jamiel Shaw, the teen shot in cold blood by an illegal alien gang member, is seeking to grab the seat from Wesson.  Shaw, writing at her website, recounts a recent candidates forum where she said Wesson showed up at the last minute and did not seem prepared.

Over in CD6 three poorly funded challengers are going after incumbent Tony Cardenas.  Jamie Cordaro, Rich Goodman and David Barron have collectively raised less than 10% of what the incumbent has earned.  Still each of them say they're making the go of it. Each of them see major failings in Cardenas or the City government as a whole.  Cardenas enjoys filling potholes.

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The Genie Has Left The Bottle

"We will not be silenced, whether you're a Christian, whether a Muslim, whether an atheist … you will demand your goddamn rights and we will have our rights, one way or another".- Protester in Egypt

Has Huizar Gone Chicago Sending Inspectors After Martinez?

Back in Richard Daley's Chicago, things were clear. If you were with the machine, you got goodies and treats from the guv'mint.  If you weren't, you might wind up on the bottom of Lake Michigan or at least, feel the full wrath of the Boss himself.

That very type of maquina is apparently alive and well with the now storied CLARTS scam and other delightful pieces of fraud, waste and abuse in Jose Huizar's CD14.  Say what you want about Zuma Dogg, but his coverage is almost, always right and CLARTS has been on his shadar for some time.  The spinners can hate on the Caucasian Scott Johnson, but Zuma is the Gospel.

So now the latest news from the LA Weekly is that allegedly once Huizar's opponent Rudy Martinez stepped into the race, Building and Inspectors were on Martinez' local business like white on rice - on the basis of an "anonymous" complaint.

It continues to add up - and no matter how Michael Trujillo or the Stay-At-Home blogger try to desperately spin it, Jose Huizar is just bad news for CD14.  Rudy Martinez may be no saint - in four years if he is just as shady as Huizar, we'll boot him, too.  In the meantime, CD14 is dying on the vine and can no longer afford an opportunistic slug like Huizar who is the second coming of Juan Peron.

Free for All Friday

Huizar Whitewashing

All the stories are after the jump...

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CLARTS Fund proceeds going to the Turkeys, that is the $27,200 "Turkey Giveaway Consultant"

Councilman Huizar living the political high life

$27,200 can buy you alot of turkeys

If anyone is in need of expertise in the area of organizing a community turkey giveaway, Esmeralda Velasco, President of EV Events, is your person. That is based upon her past work for Councilman Jose Huizar in the fall of 2008.

More after the bloggin leap............
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Rahm's Back in the Race!

 From CNN- The Illinois Supreme Court has issued a ruling allowing Rahm Emanuel's name on the Chicago mayoral ballot.

The court was considering a previous appellate court ruling that the former White House chief of staff does not meet the state's residency requirements for mayoral candidates. The state Supreme Court granted a stay on that decision and agreed to a motion for an expedited ruling.
Emanuel is due to be in a mayoral debate Thursday night with the other major candidates: Gery Chico, Miguel del Valle and Carol Moseley Braun.
The election is set for February 22.

Outtakes from CD 14: "Lets the Campaigning Facts Bomb Away!"

"Campaign time brings out the best in our local politico, unless it has to do with showing up on time to work".

Another bloggin, bombing evening from "zee CD 14 bunker" where the political ordnance are falling, at least on the comment thread here at Mayor Sam.

Great hump day evening from CD 14 where no political half-truth is beyond speculating as we near a election day in March.

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Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Wednesday: "CRA Adelante Advisory Committee supports Governor Brown"

CRA Adelante Advisory Committee takes unified stance for Governor Jerry Brown's proposed abolishment of California's CRA agencies.

Somewhere on the heights of University Hills last evening, Kevin Roderick's "Pop Star Mayor" found its bloggin equivalence in Street Hassle's "Jose Adelante". Thus, my bloggin life is complete with bloggers "WWG" and Joseph Mailander being joined for bloggin eternity, as "musing scribes of puff" on the political clients of Parke Skelton, but shall we focus on real news via Ron Kaye and others?

Real discerning reporters, bloggers and columnists would of been well served in attending last night's CRA Adelante Advisory Committee Meeting in Councilman Jose Huizar's own Boyle Heights neighborhood, where the full board voted to support California Governor Jerry Brown's proposed abolishment of CRA/LA and CRA's statewide.

As NELA Lives Blog's Tony Butka muses on Tuesday proceedings, being that he was an active participant at Tuesday evening gathering, Governor Jerry Brown and State Controller John Chiang, need to focus on the selfless actions of this diverse board who's message should resonate loud and clear throughout the city and state political community. BTW, considering the importance of last night's meeting, not one member of Councilman Huizar's staff attended, which was noted by those from the community.

** Late afternoon update: Governor Brown tells Mayor Villar and other city mayors that "redevelopement money is not there".

** Care to know what your friendly CRA staffer is being paid? Link here. Then there are the pension costs.

But then there are more important "comedic affairs" that Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone must attend to .............

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet For Wednesday

We do Big Things with Smoked Salmon

The SOTU can be declared a great, forward thinking, and inspirational speech if only because the oil industry was so quick to pan it. In truth, Obama was doing Kennedy-lite, even invoking Sputnik at one point. The speech was very good, but not great. In a post-Tucson America, maybe it was exactly what was needed. The seating arrangements made for a refreshingly subdued, if not sporadically partisan audience that only managed to interrupt the speech about 20 times. My favorite was watching House Speaker John Boehner jonesing for a scotch and soda and a cigarette throughout the entire speech.

The official Republican response was given by Rep. Paul Ryan of Wisconsin. The extreme Republican response was given by the American history challenged Representative from Minn., Michelle "The Camera's Over Here" Bachman.

UPDATE: Teabaggers throw Michele Bachman under the bus, "She has no right to speak for us".

The Mayors of 9 California cities, including Los Angeles, will meet with Gov. Brown this afternoon to weep,  moan, thrash about, and beg for him to abandon his proposal to disband CRAs across the state. I'm looking forward to his response.
Related; Our good friend, Ron Kaye, has had excellent coverage this week on LA's CRA scandal, and our very own Red Spot has reported on Huizar's absence from Council yesterday, that could be CRA related, no matter how hard his staffers deny it.


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Mid-Day Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Tuesday: Councilman Huizar's "unexcused absence" contributes to council not meeting quorum

Councilman Huizar's Broadway Presser/Photo Op more important than making quorum for City Council meeting?

** 2:00PM Update: LA Times City Hall Beat Writer David Zahniser reports that a group of CD 14 constituents were disappointed in their councilman's "no-show". Councilman Huizar's spokesperson Rick Coca, gives his best "Coca Puff Explanation" stating that his boss was in the City Hall elevator when the meeting was called off. BTW, we heard that there were some 10+ speaker cards that were submitted that reference Councilman Huizar in some fashion.

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Tuesday

Another story that Council President Eric Garcetti is seriously considering running for Mayor.  Like Sarah Palin or Mitt Romney in Iowa, EGar has gone to Westwood.

When the real Mayor Sam had his TV show, his sidekick was none other than Wally George.  Franklin Avenue has pulled up an old video of Wally's show from back in the early 90s.  Wally was definitely the forerunner of most of the hot boiled cable political talk shows of today.

The Daily News' Mariel Garza sums up elections in Los Angeles.  Most folks who could vote don't pay attention and "the passionate people who run for elective office each year are an inspiring bunch, if occasionally wacky." How could both be true?

The City is still struggling with a medical marijuana policy following a court case.  Just legalize the stuff.

Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Monday

"Recipient of $150,000 CRA No-Bid Contract for Outreach. What do Councilman Huizar and the Treasurer of CASA 0101's Board of Directors have in common?

A quick bloggin tutorial for CD 14 City Councilman Jose Huizar regarding CRA/LA.

Tomorrow is looking to be a crowded day at City Hall as scores of city activists will flock to the pews in front of the Horseshoe. This to remind the city council of their civic duty to do the right thing on the future of CRA/LA.

As a public service to CRA challenged City Councilman Jose Huizar (at least in his Glassell Park Candidate Forum mind set) and readers, we provide links to pertinent posts on the evolution of the scheme to spirit away $1 billion dollars of state CRA tax money and create a City of Los Angeles Non-Profit slush fund.

For our councilman, Ron Kaye's reporting on CRA/LA "Special Meeting" that features links to the actual Action Items, mixed with YouTubes videos of the proceedings, would prep him well for tomorrow's meeting.

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Court says Rahm Emanuel ineligible to run for Chicago mayor

An Illinois appeals court has kicked Rahm Emanuel off next month's ballot for Chicago mayor, ruling 2-1 that he does not meet the one-year residency requirement because he was living in Washington for the past two years as President Obama's chief of staff.

More at USA Today

Day 8 of Councilman Huizar's Listgate: Video of Councilman Huizar's Listgate comments, plus update on CLARTSgate

A whole lot of $taffers to support their councilman's re-election efforts. Thanks to "an early morning poster", we bring you the salaries of those who rate your loyalty (to Councilman Jose "Charro Huizzy Corleone" Huizar) and community influence.

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Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Monday

Valley Plaza, North Hollywood - Ghost Town

Class act by some Villaraigosa staffers at the Conga Room at LA Live.  Blanca Martinez-Navarro, a member of the Mayor's anti-gang staff, allegedly got into some sort of squabble with her husband, followed by the genius move of getting into with the police officers trying to break up the scene.  Suffice it to say, Blanca is now "on leave."

Leave it to the politicians to overreact to a tragic event.  In the wake of the shooting of Rep. Gabrielle Giffords in Arizona and a recent rash of school shootings, Council President Eric Garcetti wants to overturn laws that allow folks to legally carry weapons in public.  Even if these laws pass, the wackos who shoot Members of Congress and the gangs who terrorize schools will still get, guns.  But this looks good in the papers!

After years of focus on new urbanism and downtown shopping, it appears that urban malls are back.  The Westfield Culver City Mall once known for gang violence and Hot Dogs on a Stick has remade itself a tad mare upscale and sees rents and retail sales booming.  However it's not the case everywhere as after many years, the owners of the legendary Valley Plaza Mall in North Hollywood want to switch gears from a retail development to production sound stages.

Politics on a Pigskin Sunday

What a beautiful day to start with a hike and then watch some football in the Great Blue State of California!
Two of my favorite teams, the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears meet today in their first post season match-up in 70 years.

Oh No You Don't! Closer to home, AEG is once again seeking exemption from CEQA in order to avoid environmental scrutiny for their proposed NFL stadium in downtown Los Angeles. The Planning & Conservation League, stalwart defenders of CEQA,  have sounded the alarm bells. Ron Kaye has a related story.

Former mayoral candidate and hater of Spanish language signage, Walter Moore, wants LA's Fourth Estate to "get in the game".

Just a friendly reminder; The GOP brand is very very dead in California. Not to be outdone, the Dems are 6 feet under in Texas.

What next, medical marijuana soft drinks? Yep.

Day 6 of Councilman Huizar's "Listgate" Controversy: From Downtown News Scribe of Wit Jon Regardie, "The Sharks, the Lists(gate) and the Candidate"

Via Jon Regardie, "Parke Skelton, Huizar's assassin de campaign".

He showed (to the Glassell Park Candidate Forum), he noted (with trusted note pad) and this beautiful Saturday morning, Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie muses on the latest events in the CD 14 City Council Campaign.

As a bloggin disclaimer, one must be prepare for mental multi-tasking as Regardie uses his fine grasps of theater (in this case the movie Jaws), to wordsmith grammatical analogies between Jaws and the latest campaign theatrics now showing in CD 14.

Regardie took notice how the Glassell Park "crowd visibily and audibly bristled when the topic (Listgate) came up", then veers briefly into a Soylent Green analogy in musing that Huizar "pulls a Soylent Green equivalent and ranks people. And he thinks that alot of people in his district are zeros". Plus to paraphrase the Charlton Heston character famous line in the movie, These Jose Aguilar and Johnny Jay Jimenez are -3 people!, but I digress.

Then there is the subject of the speculative "Downtown Roster".

If this list ever see the light of day, or screen of this blog, would we find that the likes of the Delijani Family all scored "3 and 5", whiles scribes like Regardie and former Los Angeles Garment and Citizen Newspaper Editor Jerry Sullivan would rate a "-3 and 0" on Huizzy's list?

But in conclusion, as Regardie summerises and is reinforce by this blogger's Saturday morning posting, Listgate has hurt the creditbility of Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone and get your CD 14 political fallout shelters ready for the campaign nuke exchanges ahead.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

He's baaaccckkkk!

Following a successful sushi summit between myself and long-time Mayor Sam contributor, JoeB, I can announce that Joe is back to the blog.

We had a good conversation about how to improve some of the content and output of such here at Mayor Sam. We also discussed YOUR contribution when it comes to comments and how we plan to move forward to make sure only the best comments make it onto Mayor Sam posts.

I am sure you will be seeing another post from Joe very soon.  Welcome back, Joe!

Support Louis Pugliese for LAUSD School Board Seat # 3

Support a true friend of education Louie Pugliese in his quest to defeat Tamar Galatzan.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Have You Been Unfriended by Jose Huizar?

Mayor Sam Wants to be Your Friend

Are you on Facebook? Join Mayor Sam and all our fans on Facebook by going to this page and "liking us." You know you want to!

Outtakes from CD 14 Special Report: Photos and Comments from Glassell Park Candidate Forum

"Why are they still talking about Listgate? Maybe because some on the Glassell Park Improvement Association were offended by their score?" Councilman Huizar was jeered by the audience later in the forum when he attempted to laugh off question on Listgate.

"Attentive crowd that grew bigger as the candidate forum commenced". Councilman Huizar's staff and campaign entourage inflated crowd that was 60-40 for Rudy Martinez. We also had a Downtown News Editor and "Scribe of Wit" Jon Regardie sighting. Did anyone see one Michael "MEAT" Trujillo?

"Councilman Huizar's "Staff Pack". Body language is indicative of how the candidate forum went for their boss". One Eagle Rock staffer in this picture was observed submitting questions to the moderator. Question, how many staffers are in this photo?

Memo to Councilman Huizar's Campaign Manager Michael Trujillo, how do you spin the fact that Huizzy did not know anything about the CRA/LA controversy to transfer $1 billion++ into a city non-profit agency? Second, explain how Councilman Huizar transfers $1 million+ from the CLARTS Fund for salaries, when he tells audiences members that him and his staff have taken a 10% pay cut, mixed with furlough days?

City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez showed marked improvement from his initial foray into the world of political forums/debates. Audience warmed to the responses of Martinez as the forum evolved. Martinez was asked once about the badge issue (planted by a Huizar staffer?) and used the question to expouse his steadfast support for LAPD. The Martinez Campaign would be advised to take advantage of their candidate's strong performance last evening and ask Councilman Huizar to answer for his lack of knowledge of the current CRA Controversy. Further, elaborate on how a councilman transfers $1 million dollars for salaries, from a community amenities fund, but yet cites that he and his staff have taken a 10% cut in pay. The political math here is questionable and merits further investigating.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Los Angeles Politics Hotsheet for Friday: JERRY!

Who would have thunk it? When liberal leaning Democratic pols in Los Angeles and all over California went all out for JERRY! little did they imagine Governor Brown would propose killing their fabled golden calf - Community Redevelopment Agencies. If you don't know what CRAs are they are basically welfare for rich developers, who contribute to local electeds, and who can create (often failed) major real estate projects in "blighted" communities the politicians point to as "progress."  Jerry rightly feels that this tax money is better used for jails, schools, roads, police, higher education, health care for the poor, etc. than going to otherwise failed developers.  This has sent a shiver up the spine of City Fathers/Mothers throughout the Golden State who are now spending money faster than a drunken sailor before JERRY! comes and gets it.  Case in point, our own lovely berg, who has found amazing efficiency to get dollars fast to building Eli Broad's mausoleum in Downtown LA.

More after the jump...

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Afternoon Briefs on the Los Angeles Political Scene for Thursday

"CIty Councilman Bill Rosendahl will bare chest for medical procedure".

Great afternoon to all as we bring you up to speed on all thing political outside of CD 14, in the City of Los Angeles.

We wish a speedy recovery to Venice Beach City Councilman Bill Rosendahl who will go under the knife to repair an abnormal heart rhythm. Rosendahl who's heart is of a liberal variety., ( also should note that he had the heart to help former Mayor Sam Blogger Dave "Zuma Dogg" Saltzberg) looks forward to returning to his normal duties within the Horseshoe on Spring Street, within days.

** As Mayor Sam reported, the former CD 12 City Council Candidate Brad Smith, is back to being current CD 12 City Council Candidate Brad Smith. Smith, who's sudden departure from the CD 12 campaign proceedings was cause for rampant speculation and consternation from LA County Democratic Activists, (who's county endorsement was seen as going to waste) has resolved his "personal and economic issues".

** Lets give CD 4 City Council Candidate Stephen Box credit for "this novel exercise of candidate meet and greeting". Candidate Box dispenses with the bike and tries on the hiking boots for a Sunday's stroll through the brush. ** A Bloggin Disclaimer: Beware of 'six-figure salary city employee" who tosses footballs and high school gridiron tales on the trails of Griffith Park.

** Is CD 4 City Council Candidate Tomas O'Grady and his minions of the Los Felix Forward Coalition, gaming financial disclosures to present supposed larger community support?

** For those who are ignorant on CRA/LA's leading role in decaying ethical government in the City of Los Angeles, take some time to delve into Ron Kaye's numerous recent postings on Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa's orchestrated dealings via CRA/LA's "vessel of choice" Chris Essel.

** LAPD Chief Charlie Beck is at the receiving end of criticism for yesterday's MASSIVE response to the shooting of a LAUSD school police officer near El Camino High School.

** The Community Alliance for Open Space (CAFOS) is moving forward with its lawsuit to overturn CD 2/7 City Councilman Richard "Zorro Marxist" Alarcon's debacle to place an unionize truck driving school, within open space designated land at the former Lopez Canyon Landfill. It might be worth noting that a "Certain PLUM Committee Member" has some contributions issues that the likes of the Sierra Club might want to know, or not for sake of embarrasment.

Your thoughts...............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

LA Weekly: "Jose Huizar Unfriends Rudy Martinez". What results when Huizar can't take anymore from you.

"Councilman Jose Huizar and Councilman Tony Cardenas presenting award for community work to Rudy Martinez".

"Acquaintances Councilman Huizar? Looks more like buds hanging together".

"Friends enjoying each other's company".

Many know the feeling of being "unfriended" by Councilman Jose "Charro Huizzy Corleone" Huizar.

A childhood friend who nows dedicates time to bettering the community, was the recipient of a recent Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone "slap back" for supporting CD 14 Candidate Rudy Martinez. Still "reeling" from her treatment, my friend describe to me how she was "unfriended" from Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's personal Facebook page for the mere act of supporting Martinez. The horror!

For City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez, the results of being "unfriended" by Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone, has more consequences than the mere act of being "unfriended" from Facebook. Try having your past life smeared by your former friend political consultants, youthful indiscretions exploited for political capital and most egregious, the fact that you once had a meaningful friendship, whitewashed for political survival.

** Was a supposed request for money by Councilman Huizar to help pay a Ethics Commission fine, the "final take" in the Huizar/Martinez friendship?

Thus, one is not surprise that Martinez would cite Huizar as the "taker" in their past friendship and the "act of taking" also denote his past actions as a councilperson. Huizar's proclivities for taking includes allocating $ 1 million + from the CLARTS Fund for staff salaries, he attempted to take from the taxpayers $3,000 + to party with his Princeton University chums and took $40,000 + from city coffers to buy a sporty Toyota Highlander.

But Huizar's traits of taking others for granted may collide with election reality based upon this comment to LA Weekly Writer David Futch. In the context on campaigning door to door, Huizar states "Why bother, when few voters live behind most doors?" He'll rely on direct mail to precious active voters and speeches to friendly audiences at civic club meetings. Reminds me of the "lazy councilman analogy" cited in a previous LA Weekly story.

Thus, it is conceivable that Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's lazy candidate strategy for being re elected, could be his last act of taking advantage of CD 14 constituents?

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

** Candidate Forum Reminder:

Who: Glassell Park Improvement Association

When: 7:00PM tonight at the Glassell Park Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Rd. Los Angeles, California 90065

Smith Is Back In

After some strong arm tactics by Mitchell Englander threatened to boot him from the race, CD12 candidate Brad Smith is now back in the race. 

Mayor Sam Exclusive: Day 3 of Councilman Huizar's "Listgate", El Sereno List revised as recently as Summer of 2010

Boulevard Sentinel Editor Tom Topping (-1 and 2) with Councilman Jose "Charro Huizzy Corleone" Huizar. How would the councilman grade LA Times Reporter David Zahniser?

Great Wednesday morning to all from the "Cut and Paste Republic of CD 14" where Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone is shovel-ready at anytime to dig himself a bigger hole of contradictions, regarding his actions in the Listgate Scandal.

Upon the release of all the Listgate documents yesterday by the Rudy Martinez Campaign, Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone felt compel to email his supposed supporters a statement/spin on the LA Times story that broke the Listgate Scandal. (** Please note that Huizar's statement was posted yesterday at 12:37PM on the comment section) Judging by the bloggin spin from MEAT, errrr, Team Huizzy, one would think that former Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone Staffer and Candidate Rudy Martinez Mother Juanita Martinez's profile photo would be posted in every CD 14 Council Office and post office for all to see. "Wanted! Juanita Martinez for exposing Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's secret CD 14 Constituent Discrimination Lists", good try Trujillo.

But as LA Times City Hall Scribe David Zahniser reports this morning (on page AA 3 of the LA Extra section), Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone can't shovel enough spin to cover up for his contradictory statements to the "Old Gray Hag on Spring Street", as we note below.

From Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone: "The list was put together by a former staffer who worked in my office and was intended to be a simple way of making sure that my office stay in touch with community leaders and groups".

The LA Times reports: Although Huizar tried to pin the list controversy (Listgate) on a single staffer whom he would not identify, three former Huizar aides have told the Times that the councilman worked closely with several of his employees on the lists, changing scores when he disagreed with their assessments.

From Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone: "While the lists have not been used in years, it was not as my opponent claims, some type of Nixonian enemys list. It most definitely was not use to determine who received services or got their pothole filled".

The LA Times reports: "Huizar said Tuesday that his staff stopped using the list several years ago but he couldn't remember exactly when".

** Mayor Sam Exclusive: The El Sereno List notes a "Hector Salazar, New Director of the El Sereno Seniors Center". Los Angeles Recreation and Parks Director Hector Salazar was assigned to the El Sereno Seniors Center in the Summer of 2010. This shows that the El Sereno List was being revised most recently as last summer. In addition, "Julio Torres, Editor of the Our Town Magazine", (** The only person to get a perfect score "3 and 5" on the list) did not start publication of the magazine to until 2010., as the magazine's Wikipedia link notes.

The LA Times continues: "While Martinez publicly released copies of the lists. Huizar has repeatedly rebuffed requests from the Times for copies of them, say that they are exempted from the state's public records law. His spokesman (Rick "Coca Puffs" Coca?) said the public would be better served by shielding the councilman's decision-making process and keeping the list concealed"

Maybe concealment is the only option Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone has when the weight of the facts, contradicts his public statements?

** Props to NELA Lives Blogger Tony Butka for posting the reminder regarding the next CD 14 Candidate Forum hosted by the Glassel Park Improvement Association.

Where: Glassell Park Senior Center, 3750 N. Verdugo Rd. LA 90065. (Inside Public Storage next to Glassell Park Recreation Center).

Who: Councilman Jose Huizar and Challenger Rudy Martinez.

When: Thursday, January 20, 2011 at 7:00PM

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Day 2 of Councilman Jose Huizar's "Listgate", All lists are now public

Bloggers raining responses to Councilman Jose Huizar's "Listgate". What bombs will explode next in CD 14 City Council Race?

Welcome to Day 2 of Councilman Jose "Charro Huizzy Corleone" Huizar's Listgate.

Yesterday's Los Angeles Times story by David Zahniser set off a firestorm of comments here at Mayor Sam and multiple posts of commentary from throughout the local political bloggersphere.

This morning, the Rudy Martinez Campaign released the Boyle Heights and El Sereno copies of the "Constituent Discrimination Lists". The LA times had posted the Northeast LA list online yesterday. Below, we provide the links to the respective list with samples of notable community member's "loyalty 3 to -3" and "influence 0-5" scores.

Boyle Heights List (loyalty and influence score):

Father Greg Boyle, HomeBoy Industries (1 and 2). Monsignor John Moretta, Resurrection Church (2 and 5). The late Ross Valencia, Veteran's Association (1 and 1). Sal Martinez, Hollenbeck CPAB (3 and 1). Gail Minnifield, Recreation Supervisor (2 and 3). Jose Aguilar, BHNC (** -3 and 1) . Monica Harmon, N/A (-1 and 1). Cesar Calderon, Executive Director SEA (3 and 3). Maria Brenes, Inner City Struggle (2 and 4). Raul Estrada, El Centro de Ayudo (2 and 2). ** "-3 Aguilar" got the same score as Johnny Jay Jimenez.

El Sereno List:

Cynthia Ruiz, El Sereno Resident (2 and 2). Rudy Torres, President of El Sereno Chamber of Commerce (3 and 2). Eddie Santillon, Honorary Mayor of El Sereno (3 and 2). LAPD Officer Steve Morales, Senior Lead Officer (3 and 4). Arturo Durado, Principal of El Sereno Middle School (2 and 4). Heidi Acosta, Principal of Sierra Vista Elementary (3 and 3). Anthony Manzano, LA 32 NC (3 and 1). LAPD Officer Oscar Cassini, Senior Lead Officer (2 and 3). Angie De La Torre, LA 32 NC/ El Sereno Farmers Market (3 and 2). Julio Torres, Our Town Magazine (** 3 and 5). ** Only perfect score from all the lists.

Northeast LA List:

Tom Topping, Boulevard Sentinel (-1 and 3). Eliot Sekuler, ASNC (2 and 3). Everett Sarabia, Eagle Rock Neighborhood Watch (-3 and 1). Bradley, GPNC (1 and 2). Augie Barajas, Paster Victory Outreach (3 and 2). Carol Jacques, Northeast Democrats (3 and 3). Bill Rumble, Northeast Democrats (3 and 3). Raul Macias, AYSA (2 and 1). Daniel Wright, President MWHA (-3 and 2). Rudy Martinez, Mia Sushi (3 and 3).

If you have time, link to the respective CLARTS Fund listings from Councilman Huizar's website and the CLARTS allocations posted by the City Maven, to judge for yourself if Listgate connects to CLARTSgate. More on that in the Future.

** Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's most recent statement regarding Listgate was posted at 12:37PM in the comment section.

** From Tony Butka at NELA Lives: "Councilman Huizar's Door Knocker".

** From the LA Daily Blog: "Jose Huizar thinks he Santa Clause".

A Missing List? Hearing rumbles about a secret Downtown Donor List.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

First "CLARTSgate", now "Listgate". What are the connections betwen these Councilman Huizar's scandals?

If only Tricky Dicky was still alive, he could learn a thing or two from Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone about judging your political supporters and enemies.

Did Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone ponder a journalist/ blogger list of supporters and enemies?


Page 1 of Northeast LA List.

Page 2 of Northeast LA List.

Happy Martin Luther King Day to all as we celebrate the man who sought equal rights for all. Then there is CD 14 Councilman Jose "Charro Huizzy Corleone" Huizar who told his staff to judge his constituents base upon "loyalty" and "influence". So much for judging constituents based upon their character but that is life in Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's CD 14 fiefdom.

As millions of Americans celebrate the legacy of MLK, the Los Angeles Times City Hall Reporter David Zahniser today exposes the insecure proclivities of Huizar. Zahniser reports that staffers were require to write ratings of priests, police officers, recreation supervisors, school administrators, non-profit directors, and your average CD 14 community member who interacted with council staff. According to former CD 14 staffer Juanita Martinez, who is the mother of City Council Candidate Rudy Martinez, staffers would meet every three months with Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone to review the loyalty and influence grading of various CD 14 constituents. The "loyalty grading scale" was "-3" for Huizzy haters to "3" for hard core Huizzynistas. The "influence grading scale" was "0" for no influence, to "5" for those who could influence many to support the endeavors of Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone. Thus, if you scored "3 and 5" (like El Sereno "Our Town Magazine" Editor Julio Torres), then the resources of the CD 14 council offices, were there for the asking. ** All the lists will be made public on Tuesday morning.

As this story makes the rounds among CD 14 activists this morning, many are questioning whether the grading scale compiled by CD 14 staff, with the final approval of Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone, was the basis for allocated "monetary resources" from the likes of the CLARTS Fund and other public funds? This blogger was privy to viewing the lists before the Times story was published. For example, one "connected non-profit director" was given a "3" score for loyalty and his organization received multiple allocations from the CLARTS Fund. Thus, one could surmise that the lists was "a political credit report" on CD 14 constituents and the fact that the likes of Father Greg Boyle and Father Moretta of Boyle Heights Resurrection Church, were subjected to a loyalty grading, will surely cause a backlash.

As Listgate now joins with CLARTSgate to form a nefarious brew of political corruption, Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone may look back upon this day, as being the start of the end of his political dreams. For CD 14 voters, they now have clear evidence that their councilman is a "political segregationist" who values the loyal and influential few and disregards the majority of CD 14 constituents who have nothing to offer their elected office holder. Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's lists are an injustice to those who practice random acts of character on a daily basis in CD 14. These selfless act are not negotiable political tender in Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's CD 14. Thus, leaving us to dream of a future when our concerns will not be predicated by a score on a loyalty and influence list.

** As a bonus to our MLK Day Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone coverage, we provide this link to Huizar's MLK Day Keynote Speech at Princeton University one year ago. The rank and file of LAPD might want to note Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's comments on their fellow officers actions at the "May Day Melee in MacArthur Park". Its sad that Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone use this speech at Princeton to wrongly disparage those who duty it is to protect our equal rights.

** From LA Observed: "Councilman Huizar would rate this story -3".

** From Parke Skelton and Michael Trujillo's blog of choice Street Hassel: "More Archaeological Journalism on CD 14 at the Times". (MT might want to reconsider this heading "Rudy was a wife beater". )

** From Ron Kaye: "Keeping Score on Who Counts--Huizar's secret Friends and Enemys List".

** From Eastsider LA: "How do you rate with Councilman Jose Huizar? Check his Community Power Analysis list"

** From Walter Moore: "All you need to know about Huizar"

** From Latinopoliticsblog: "Making a List and Checking it Twice".

** From the LA Weekly: "One Gate Too Many: LA City Councilman Jose Huizar Devoured by Opponent Rudy Martinez, LA Times, Gleeful Citywatchers".

** CD 14 Candidate Rudy Martinez garners the endorsement of Clean Sweep LA.

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

Saying "Hmmmm" About Englander

When it came to CD12 candidate Brad Smith, the only one who had some money, some name ID (both from his community work and perhaps the ability to benefit from folks who may mistake Smith for current incumbent Greig Smith,  or, perhaps as Smith's son) and some mojo dropping out of the race, we said "Hmmmm."

We may have had good reason.

Street Hassle is reporting that Smith may have based his decision to drop out following alleged pressure from Englander and his campaign consultants against Brad Smith's employer, Parsons Engineering.

Read more at Street Hassle but the bottom line reportedly is that Parsons, who has a significant business in getting government contracts, was told that it would be a "very good idea" for Parsons if Smith dropped out of the race.

Stay tuned.

Did you know that CD 14 Councilman Huizar ........ ? A bloggin montage of Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone facts.

".... found a willing blogger to believe Consultant Parke Skelton's spin regarding the usage of the CLARTS Fund? Yet the City Maven, did not have the journalistic fortitude to question the total of $231,477.95 of CLARTS Fund money, that were diverted to the General Services Department. Thus, what did these allocations pay for?"

** The LA Times exposes Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's "Nixonian tendencies this Sunday evening with a explosive story by David Zahniser. More extensive coverage in the AM.

....... City Hall Land Use Staffer Tara Devine could not get neighborhood council boundaries correct, when requesting a thirty day delay so that a property owner could present their proposed lot modifications to the Eagle Rock Neighborhood Council? The lot is within the Historic Highland Park Neighborhood Council area via Caroline Aguirre.

...... allocated $8,376.68 of CLARTS Fund money for a "Club Tecate de Baja California"? Anyone care to elaborate on what and where "Club Tecate de Baja California" is and why Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone would approve this expenditure?

...... once approved a $75,000 reward for information on the double murder that took place near Oscar's Bar? Did one of the victims have a former close relationship with a Huizar family member?

"...... has the largest salary budget of any Los Angeles City Councilman at $1.47 million dollars via the LA Weekly? Why would he need to secretly transfer another $1.04 million dollars of CLARTS Fund money into his Council Office Account?

...... is very sensitive to comments from undisclosed city council colleagues, that he is the laziest among the fifteen with the Horseshoe?

...... has the largest turnover rate of staffers in recent city council history? What do the likes of Henry C., Frank and little Frank, Irantzu, Joe A., Belinda, Juanita, Alvin, Celina M. and many others have to say about their respective experience of working for Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone?

...... uses staffers to track ex. employees at community events and exhibits harsh supervisory tendencies in public?

"...... voted to not place a DWP Ratepayer Advocate on the March 2011 ballot after taking credit for broaching the idea? Has Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone ever voted against a DWP rate increase?

...... calls those like The Voice Newspaper Editor Carlos Morales and others "purveyors of a dirty political war", for daring to highlight Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's less than transparent past, in disclosing information on the status of the CLARTS Fund?

....... rewarded the Delijani Family with their own "Deligani Square" area in Downtown LA? Did contributions from the Delijani Family influence Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone's Broadway Parking Structure proposal?

"...... has staffers driven around by LAPD officers, to observer law-abiding community members protesting against the illegal dumping of sex offenders in the El Sereno Community?

...... was fined $15,000 for conducting illegal opposition research by the Ethics Commission?

...... was exposed by KNBC Channel 4, in attempting to charge his five-star luxury hotel stay to the City of Los Angeles taxpayers, so that he could attend his Princeton University class reunion?

...... had illegal renovations done on his El Sereno property as reported on by then LA Weekly Reporter David Zahniser in 2007?

...... Political Consultant Parke Skelton and Campaign Manager Michael Trujillo favorite blogger "Mulholland Terrance" wrote a negative and speculative post on now LA Times Reporter David Zahniser's report, regarding Thursday's evening Hermon Candidate Forum? What were the true motives for MT's attack on the supposed motivations of Zahniser's report?

" ...... Councilman Charro Huizzy Corleone serves the constituents of CD 14 at the behest of his political Papi, Mayor Antonio Villar?"

Your thoughts..............

Scott Johnson in CD 14

The Parable of the Car Heater

For the last few weeks, my car heater had not been working.

With a very busy year end schedule at work, and all the usual holiday stuff, I found little time to take the car to the mechanic.  I also figured maybe I could go green and wear a jacket.  That didn't help much during some of the coldest days I've ever felt in LA (so much for global warming) but I sucked it up.

A friend was visiting with town with her infant and I was to pick her up at the airport Wednesday evening.  I figured for the baby's sake I better get that heater fixed, so I did.  Of course, the heater was repaired just in time for the first 70 degree day in the Valley in some time.

This morning I was in the car quite early and it was a bit nippy outside.  I was just sucking up being a tad frio and realized - hey the heater works now.  I turned it on and was quickly enveloped in some warm, comforting heat.

It reminded me of how we're also enveloped by the presence of God. 2 Corinthians 1:3-5 (New Living Translation) tells us:

3 All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. 4 He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us. 5 For the more we suffer for Christ, the more God will shower us with his comfort through Christ.

Like the car heater I can switch and be warm. I can always reach out to God and know I am loved and protected.

And I don't even need a mechanic for that.

Things That Make You Go Hmmm: Brad Smith Drops Out

Street Hassle reports that Brad Smith has dropped out of the race for the CD12 Council Seat being vacated by Greig Smith. (No relation)

The heir apparent under the Smith-Villaraigosa machine is Mitchell Englander, currently Chief of Staff for Smith. As you may remember, Smith was the Chief of Staff for the Clowncilman before that, Hal "Napkin Joke" Bernson.

Apparently it's an oligarchy in CD12.

I became aware of Smith puling a Sarah Palin via SOME GUY, who DM'd yesterday on Facebook.

My first response was "What did you guys offer him?" SOME GUY didn't like that.

Now I am not at all accusing anyone of anything shady (though in this town it's usually a safe bet) but when the leading challenger with the most money after the heir apparent drops out, it makes you go "Hmmm."

We've seen a number of occasions where a past opponent in a race drops out and then gets something. Lawyers call "quid pro quo" and no, my friends, that is not a character in Nickelodeon's SpongeBob Squarepants.

There is no evidence to suggest the more evil Englander scion offered B Smith anything nor that if he did, Smith accepted. But it's still legal, even in a post-Gattoaclytpic world, to wonder out loud.

I simply find Englander to not be genuine and one who's entire career has been about climbing a ladder of political offices, opportunistically like Mike Gatto, Bob Blumenthal, Lloyd Levine, Cindy Montanez and even to some degree, Tamar Galatzan.

And before you riff on that "Higby must hate young politicians," don't bother. There are a number of younger candidates who have sought public office as a way to do service. Stuart Waldman, Monica Rodriguez and Caprice Young, or even back in the day, a young Joel Wachs, to name a few, come to mind.

However unless Kelly Lord and a whole bunch of SLAP Happy Clean Sweepers get to work fast, get some money and make magic happen (and have the fortitude for when Michael Trujilo calls you racist), the Dark Lord will be your Clowncilman out there in CD12.

Otherwise stay tuned for more of the same.